Palmer: Trenton needs strong leadership to abate this crisis

Wilma Woodward, center, and Wayne Chaetham, right, listen to speakers during National a Night Out kickoff at Trenton City Hall for event hosts, Monday, Aug. 5, 2013. Woodword said she and Cheatham will host an event on Garfield Avenue. (Trentonian photo/Jackie Schear)

TRENTON — As blood continues to stain Trenton’s streets, crime is escalating and threatening to beat the homicide record of 2005 — the year when the city had a gang epidemic and recorded 31 homicides.

Over the weekend, four more deaths were added to the count of Trenton’s violent crimes, bringing the total to 27 and leaving residents seeking possible solutions. Other cities across the country facing similar crime statistics in the past have declared a State of Emergency.

In 2010 Chester, Pa., set a State of Emergency curfew following its fourth homicide in 8 days — last weekend Trenton had its fourth homicide in two days. Chester’s curfew mandated people to stay indoors for a month from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. unless there was a legitimate reason to be outside.

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But some residents in Trenton believe such a curfew would be too excessive and instead they suggested longer sentences for crimes involving illegal gun possession and drug possession.

“There are getting out way too early! Kids need to understand that if they get involved in a gang that they are going to serve a long time. That will keep them out of the street,” a restaurant owner in Trenton said.

As a worker for the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, 60-year-old Howard Cook said a curfew would put him out of a job since he works from 11 p.m. to 9 a.m.

“I’m not involved in anything, why should I be locked up when the criminals are the ones that should be behind locked doors,” Cook said.

But according to former Mayor Doug Palmer, whose tenure included 2005, a State of Emergency would not decrease crime as much as a strong mayor and strong leadership would.

“Back in the summer of 2005, the perfect storm hit. Gangs hit the city like an epidemic and having constant talks with Joe Santiago (former Trenton Police Director) was crucial. We would talk three to four times a day,” Palmer said.

Recently the merger of the Mercer County prosecutor’s office with Trenton police’s vice unit sparked a successful increase in drug-related arrests. According to Mercer County Prosecutor Joseph Bocchini, this was because of the strong relationship he has with Trenton Police director Ralph Rivera.

“A good relationship with the director was a concern because we would be working with him on a daily basis; the Mayor, if he wants our input, can reach out to us — but he hasn’t. It’s not a concern though, because we have the director,” Bocchini said.

Back in 2005, the Trenton Police Department worked with a full force of 370 police officers, but after 105 police officers were laid off in September 2011 the city took a hit along with the department.

On Friday, Mayor Mack called out to the Christie administration to hire 75 police officers to fight the crime in the city, but it is unknown if he is calling out to Rivera to make a strong plan to battle the current war on crime.

“What Trenton needs is a mayor. One that can lead and have a clear direction so he can call on everyone to help. More resources will help, but right now the city needs a plan and strong leadership,” Palmer said.